Police ask for help solving series of shootings

Police ask for help solving series of shootings

Update: 6:01 pm, 12/4/13, Wednesday
MATTOON -- Four shootings last month and police have no suspects.

Update: 6:01 pm, 12/4/13, WednesdayMATTOON -- Four shootings last month and police have no suspects. No one was hit and all the incidents happened in the early morning hours: November 11, the 900-block of North 20th Street; November 23, two shootings, one in the 600-block of Edgar Avenue and one in the 1000-block of North 11th Street; the most recent was the 300-block of South 22nd Street. WCIA-3's Anthony Antoine has more.

The chief of police says the shootings are connected and the same gun was used in three of the four shootings. A neighbor whose home was shot at says she holds her daughter a little tighter at night.

"First, we thought it was a roofing accident or whatever."

It didn't sound like anything out of the ordinary, but this resident found something else.

"Then we found the bullet lodged in the far room."

She immediately called police.

"They looked around the house and found another shot that almost went through the bedroom window. If it hadn't been for a 2 x 4, it would have went right though. My 5-year old and I sleep in the bed."

No parent wants to lose a child and this was too close for comfort.

"Right now, the Mattoon Police Department is currently investigating four separate drive-by shootings where, early morning hours, an unidentified person or persons have come through the area and fired shots into the residence."

"It's scary. I mean, this is Mattoon. You know, we don't hear things and to have multiple shootings, I just don't understand."

Police are trying to connect the dots.

"We are bringing all the resources to bear. We're doing everything we can, stepping up patrols and definitely, our officers are on heightened alert."

There haven't been any shootings since November 24.

"We don't even know who did it, so who's to say it won't happen again?"

Authorities are waiting for test results from the Illinois State Police to see if the same gun was used in the fourth shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers. You can remain anonymous and may earn a cash reward.